Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of rheumatologists' adherence to a methotrexate guideline on efficacy and toxicity in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
METHODS: In a 48 week randomised controlled trial of methotrexate, comparing folates with placebo, rheumatologists were advised on methotrexate dosage using a guideline reflecting daily practice. The influence of guideline non-adherence on outcome was analysed using generalised estimating equations and survival analysis.
RESULTS: In 51% of the 411 study patients the guidelines were always followed. Non-adherence resulted in lower doses of methotrexate in 25% of cases, and higher doses in 24%. The reduction in the disease activity score was significantly greater (mean -0.4; p = 0.0085) in the adherent group than in the "low dose" group; the "high dose" group did not differ from the adherent group. Dropout caused by severe adverse events did not differ between the three groups.
CONCLUSIONS: There is an indication that adherence to guidelines on methotrexate dosage may benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis by improving disease activity without increasing toxicity. For definite proof, a randomised controlled trial comparing guideline supported dosing with usual care is needed.
METHODS: In a 48 week randomised controlled trial of methotrexate, comparing folates with placebo, rheumatologists were advised on methotrexate dosage using a guideline reflecting daily practice. The influence of guideline non-adherence on outcome was analysed using generalised estimating equations and survival analysis.
RESULTS: In 51% of the 411 study patients the guidelines were always followed. Non-adherence resulted in lower doses of methotrexate in 25% of cases, and higher doses in 24%. The reduction in the disease activity score was significantly greater (mean -0.4; p = 0.0085) in the adherent group than in the "low dose" group; the "high dose" group did not differ from the adherent group. Dropout caused by severe adverse events did not differ between the three groups.
CONCLUSIONS: There is an indication that adherence to guidelines on methotrexate dosage may benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis by improving disease activity without increasing toxicity. For definite proof, a randomised controlled trial comparing guideline supported dosing with usual care is needed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1222-1226 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Annals of the rheumatic diseases |
| Volume | 63 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2004 |